Cara laughed as she heard Hibiki complain. "To be fair you were dealing with a cat's hearing and a boy in a bad mood." She walked over towards Hibiki. "So...what were you trying to do, scare us? If you wanted to do that...you shoulda waited some more before you said anything."

Meanwhile there was a figure watching them. It was a small boy with white hair and red eyes. Slowly though, his figure seemed to waver and shift as if he was a gaseous being. As he came back into focus, he looked completely different. He appeared to be one of the security guards. The guard walked over towards the trio. "Excuse me, but all students must be inside the cabin after 11 PM. I'm afraid it's 11:30. Please go back inside." He walked off at that.

Tsukiko looked up as the guard spoke and soon after walked away. Odd, he hadn't even heard the guy approach or even sensed him. Maybe he was more distracted then he had thought?

Turning towards his teammates Tsukiko nodded, "He's right, it's been a long day for all of us. Let's get some shut eye. Tomorrow is a big day after all, and we'll need the rest."

Hibiki, seeing a chance to escape his 'interrogation', nodded happily, "Sounds alright to me! Time to get some z's in kora!"

Cara smiled softly, "Agreed. Let's all get a good nights rest and put this whole test behind us."

"I'll say, man I will never go back to that island again kora!"

"Hey uh, Hibiki, what's with the 'kora' thing?"

"Huh? Oh that. Well.."

As Tsukiko watched his two teammates talk as they walked off, he couldn't help but feel a small smile grace his face.

He didn't know what his future held for them. He didn't know what to do with the orb or with the knowledge he held. But for now, for one night at least, he could forget those worries.

Tomorrow was a new day, and it was an important one. Whatever came afterwards, he would prepare for. He would get stronger, so strong that nobody would be able to match him and his curse. He would face whatever challenges the future held, and would send any threats that came his way to the damn abyss if he had too.

Because watching the smiles on Cara's and Hibiki's faces, seeing their laughter and joy. It was a reminder of what he fought for. Being able to bring happiness, joy, and peace to those who deserved it most. And saving them from the darkness they held in their hearts.

"Hey Tsukiko what's the hold up? You'll be left behind if you don't hurry up kora!"

Tsukiko blinked and looked up at his two waiting teammates. Letting out a small and silent chuckle, he nodded towards them.

"Right, let's go."

With that Tsukiko followed his teammates inside.

"No matter what happens, no matter what threat comes my way, I swear I'll protect the both of them. I'll protect everyone in the academy if I have too. Just so I can see them smile and save them from the darkness.

After all you said it yourself, I'm stubbornly ambitious like that. Right, Elizabeth-san?"